The United Nations is facing a serious financial crisis due to a growing backlog of unpaid contributions from member states, UN officials have warned.
According to UN figures, member countries owed more than US$1.56 billion in assessed contributions at the end of 2025, more than double the amount recorded the previous year. The shortfall has significantly reduced the organisation’s cash reserves and raised concerns about its ability to sustain operations in 2026.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres informed the UN’s budget advisory committee that the organisation risks a severe financial shortfall if payments are not made on time. He described the situation as a potential “imminent financial collapse” without corrective action.
Reports indicate that a large share of the outstanding dues comes from the United States, traditionally the largest contributor to the UN’s regular budget, which did not pay most of its assessed contributions last year.
Due to limited funds, the UN has already introduced cost-saving measures, delayed expenditures, and adjusted spending to maintain essential operations. UN officials have warned that continued delays in payments could affect the organisation’s ability to carry out its global activities.
The Secretary-General has urged member states to fulfil their financial obligations in full and on time, while also calling for reforms to strengthen the UN’s financial stability.
Based on reporting by Associated Press (AP)